Imaginative choices at Little Pub

Published 5:53 pm, Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Devin O'Keeffe stands with Daneen Grabe, who is the owner of Little Pub in Ridgefield, holding two signature dishes on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012. Ahi Tuna Tacos are shown at left and Harvest Bruschetta is at right. less

Devin O'Keeffe stands with Daneen Grabe, who is the owner of Little Pub in Ridgefield, holding two signature dishes on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012. Ahi Tuna Tacos are shown at left and Harvest Bruschetta is at ... more

My companion and I soaked up the din of lively chatter waiting momentarily for our table inside Little Pub on a recent Saturday night in Ridgefield.

There was a houseful of casual diners and an active bar scene. It had rained all day and I was looking forward to dinner.

I hadn't eaten since breakfast so my appetite was huge. Thankfully, so were the portions of tasty food I ordered at Little Pub, in the Branchville section of town.

We went expecting American pub-style choices and chose happily from standards, imaginative options and a good amount of healthful choices.

This restaurant seems to have a faithful following it seems, given the need for a valet after 6:30 p.m. and the crowded lot most nights. Though reservations are not an option, we didn't wait long at all to be seated at a table overlooking Route 7.

We settled back and relaxed in the dining room side of the restaurant. The other half features a spacious bar area with bistro tables. Our section had tables close together, almost touching.

An attentive young waitress took good care of us, so we never felt we were just part of a crowd. Surprisingly, we were able to comfortably carry on our own conversation.

The only downside noted by my companion was how he couldn't "see pieces of crab meat" in the crab cakes we shared as an appetizer. The ingredients were well minced and they were tasty, in my view.

I especially liked the remoulade, Thai-curry and garlic aioli sauces that accompanied the dish cited under a "Little Plates" heading. Another option there is "mini osso buco," described as Thai chili glazed pork osso buco drizzled with a wasabi lemon aioli.

Our entrees were satisfying. My companion's steak frites was a New York steak ordered rare that comes with caramelized onions, mushrooms and a garlic soaked crustini, a side of salad and Parmesan fries. At $15.95, the steak is a deal compared to prices in Ridgefield restaurants.

I'd be neglectful not to mention that pub-wise there are nachos, wings and sliders, varied burgers, sandwiches and wraps.

A Ventura Highway burger that seems appealing is encrusted with peppercorns, topped with bacon, creamy Gorgonzola and avocado-cilantro relish.

Bits of food were falling off my plate as I plowed through my meal. The dressing made it outstanding.

Other main dishes include Ahi Tuna Tacos. It is served with soft flour tortillas, grilled pineapple-jicama-mint salsa, baby field greens and wasabi-lemon yogurt sauce.

There is also Lobster Mac and Cheese, which I imagine lobster lovers would find delicious.

Little Pub serves beer, ale, stout and cider with more than 60 beers in house, plus weekly specials. The restaurant's owners are husband and wife Douglas and Daneen Grabe, since 2009, and the chef is Timothy Passaro.